Bruce 的个人资料What a Journey!照片日志列表更多  |  工具 帮助 |
|
|
8月14日 Summer vacation nearing an end.We seem to have missed summer as such. We had about a week in July.
 Vacation is coming to a close. I have a day-long seminar next week and it's off to school on the 25th (actual school start is the 27th). I figure summer will arrive around the 1st of September.  I am trying to finish certain projects which is interesting. I must fit projects and housework around the gym and lunch at the Senior Center. Lunch at the Senior Center! I started going a few weeks ago with a friend and have found it to be very enjoyable.It does seem strange, after more than 40 years working, to have the summer off and then go back to work. I have learned that I really could enjoy retirement or semi-retirement. I like to call what I am doing now semi-retirement. The only problem is I wish Sharon could join me. Some day!
Must go take out the trash. One of the projects is cleaning out the basement. Have a wonderful day everyone. 7月10日 It's that time of yearThis song, Gentle Annie, could also be called Gentle Sharon. A beautiful song to be playing as Sharon and I celebrate another anniversary today. 37 years and toasting for another 37. 6月29日 Time has a wayof passing by so fast. Not too long ago I used to wish for Friday on Monday. Becoming older has a way of trashing that wish - at least for me. As you see others pass on you begin to think about life from a different perspective. Where is this leading me? No where - at this time. 5月25日 Memorial Day 2008Soldier, rest, thy warfare o'er,
Dream of fighting fields no more.
Sleep the sleep that knows not breaking, Morn of toil, nor night of waking. Sir Walter Scott
Waterloo, New York was recognized by President Lyndon Johnson and both houses of Congress, as the birthplace of Memorial Day because the town decorated the graves of Civil War veterans as early as May 5, 1866. The claim is contested by Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, which claims to have begun the practice of decorating soldier's graves two years earlier than Waterloo. Another source claims that two years after the Civil War, it was southern women in Columbus, Mississippi who decorated the braves of both Confederate and Union men. Nevertheless, sources agree that it was General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic who designated May 30, 1868, " as a day for strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, or hamlet churchyard in the land...It is the purpose of the commander-in-chief to inaugurate this observance with the hope that it will be kept from year to year while a survivor of the war remains to honor the memory of the departed." No survivor of that war remains, but the memories of it grow longer. As do our memories of the parades with floats; civic organizations and drum majorettes twirling their batons; lines and lines of young veterans from The Gulf War and shorter lines of older men who saw service in the Second World War. As long as there are wars, there will be veterans and casualties. We will still decorate the graves of those men whose bodies came home and remember those who don't. The custom of placing flowers upon graves is an old one, and exists in many countries. The Greeks had rites called zoai, which were performed over each new grave. If the flowers took root and blossomed on the graves, it meant the souls were sending back the message that they had found happiness. The Roman festival, called Parentalia, or Day of the Fathers, lasted for eight days in February--violets and roses were the special flowers. Whatever the flower, wherever the grave, this placing of flowers upon graves has always seemed the natural thing to do. Today, most states officially recognize the May Memorial Day as a legal holiday, but it is not celebrated on May 30th in every state. Over time the holiday has expanded to encompass our other national wars. Although Veteran's Day is celebrated as well, Memorial Day has become the most important day of recognition of our armed forces. Excerpts from: Krythe, Maymie, American Holidays; Harper and Row, New York, 1962. McSpadden, J. Walker, The Book of Holidays; Thomas Y. Crowell Company, New York, 1958.Santino, Jack, All Around The Year; University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 1994. 4月27日 Where does time go?I am here. I was away for a few days for school and I lost my two computers for weeks. One of them is still down after being infested with spyware. The one I am using now is just a bit boggy. Further, I have been out straight planning a scout trip to Pennsylvania and assisting a close family who suffered a loss. I have just not gotten on the computer - anywhere.
Tomorrow morning we leave for Fort Indiantown Gap in PA for the week. This will be our base of operations. From there we plan to visit Gettysburg two days, Hershey, Indian Echo Caverns, and Lancaster another, and visit an Amish family and their farm for dinner one night. Plenty planned - just sucks up so much time getting there and getting home. We will be driving so that adds interest to the journey.
I am sorry I haven't been around. I haven't let any of you leave my mind.
I'll return next weekend with trip tales. 3月9日 As time goes byWith basketball season over, I was looking forward to a bit of kick back time. No siree! Tuesday found me tripping to the dental hygienist. This is a bit of horror in itself as one is picked and prodded in the mouth. The evening found us getting ready for St. Patrick's Day with a trip to Dartmouth College for a concert by the world renown flutist Sir James Galway. Just close your eyes and let his flute take you to another world.
Wednesday Sharon and I had a monthly Scout Commissioner's meeting. It was the quarterly meeting so there was a potluck meal involved with every variation of chile to be found.
On Thursday I went for a quarterly followup with my doctor - weight going down and blood pressure going down. Now that was exciting and he was happy. Everyone likes a happy doctor. From there I went home to get ready for the high school's winter sports award banquet. Just before I was leaving the head coach called and said he was way to sick to attend and did I mind pinch hitting. Of course I didn't mind. Right! I bolted for the school and spent extra time preparing the awards and going over his notes. His notes were great and I just took it from there. It was a great time. It can be a difficult time saying good bye, so to speak, to the seniors you have been with for four years (and probably have known longer than that). There were five seniors on the team and it was a bit emotional.
The rain came in Friday and did it come in. Flooding in areas around us. No real harm in this area. Temps warm until Sunday when the bottom fell out of the temperature (back into the high teens with 15-25 mph winds). It felt like spring on Friday and Saturday.
Good week ahead. Another Irish music concert at week's end and a visit to our local pub on St. Paddy's Day for more Irish music and Guiness.
Have a wonderful week! 3月2日 Sunday and the end of vacationWOW! Another bright sunshiney day!
The scouts are off the hill and probably sleeping in their homes. A special thanks is extended to the adults that went with the boys. They took time from their lives to make sure these guys had a great weekend. A special dedication is shown when the son of one of the fathers who spent the weekend camping did not go. The father came into the house this morning and talked about what a great time he had.
Back to school tomorrow. School vacation week is almost at an end. Even though it was a busy week with basketball practices and the playoff game, it was an enjoyable week. On one hand it seems like it was short and on the other hand it seems like it was just right. I saw a couple of the students yesterday with whom I work and they said they were ready. Isn't that interesting?
Well, have to go clean up some more of the snow. Seems like a good thing to do - get some air and bright sunshine. I don't want the winter blahs to get me. Since the Weather Service began tracking snowfall in 1868 this season is 8th on the list of top 10 in New Hampshire (102.2 inches thus far). 20 inches more this season and we will break the top record of 122.0 inches in 1873-74. That should be easy. By the way, our normal snowfall is 64.5 inches.
Have a wonderful one! 3月1日 Snow, Sunshine, SnowI've got to find something else to talk about. Sitting in the den at the computer I have three windows to look out. I saw snow most of the day. Spent some time in the basement. I am determined to get it cleaned and organized before the next century. I found boxes of my parents things today. When something like that happens you slow down. Have to look over the contents. Then I opened an old wooden cupboard we've ignored for eons. Canning jars galore. Some old, old, old ones. Even found canned jars of pickles and jelly. Hmmm.
The scouts are having a great time at the campsite. Roscoe went out to the bathroom and up the hill he went. Sharon and I followed, although it took us almost 15 minutes trudging through the snow - Roscoe was up there in about 2-3 minutes. They had built some snow shelters and were now sliding on the backside. Only six showed for the campout but those six are having a great time.
Stay warm! 2月29日 Another bright, sunshiney day!Police cars and fire trucks led the Stevens buses out of the city yesterday on its way to its first boy's basketball playoff game in eight years. Down to the seacoast city of Portsmouth we headed.
It was tied up at the end of the 1st quarter last night in Portsmouth, 10-10. Two of Portsmouth's big players took over in the 2nd with the result being a 33-20 lead at half-time. Halfway through the 3rd quarter Portsmouth had a 44-28 lead but Stevens rallied with a 10-0 run to draw within five points, 42-37, with two minutes left. Unfortunately, Portsmouth turned around and went on a late 10-0 run of their own putting them in the lead 52-37. The 4th quarter saw an earnest Stevens effort with the Portsmouth boys pushing ahead. The final score was 68-48 Portsmouth (heading to the 1/4-finals at UNH this Sunday).
At midnight the Stevens bus pulled into the school parking lot. Yes, they are going no further this year. Yes, five seniors who have been with this past four year goal have played their last high school game. The light at the end of the regular season that we've been searching for over the past eight years was found this year. The basketball program has shown increasing stability. All the players know what is expected and what sort of focus and commitment is expected. Consistency has really brought the program to where it is and this program is going to be competitive year in and year out. Everyone is on the same page and the athletes have bought into it.
People in our community need to remember where Claremont's program was and where it is now. One area veteran coach recently stated that "What coaching has done here is it's brought some sense of purpose, some direction and a desire to achieve. There's less inappropriate behavior and less kids not making the commitment. There's high skill there. This Stevens program is headed in the right direction."
Now it is time to rest and be ready for summer basketball. This year was a big steppingstone.
Weather. Beautiful day out there, except for the cold. It was -5 when I drove home from the school last night and -10 when I finally made it to the kitchen this morning. I don't know where more snow is going around the house and garage but we are being prepared for another round of the great white tonight into tomorrow. Boy Scout winter campout this weekend but Sharon and I are staying home!
Make it a great one! 2月28日 Bright, sunshiney dayA bright, sunshiney day it is with another 10 inches of snow. More snow is forecast for tomorrow. I'm starting to feel a bit like the people in Michigan's UP. The snow is piling high and the walls of snow leading down to the garage are 5 feet high now. It's kind of neat but ...
This afternoon the basketball team heads to Portsmouth (pleasant 2-1/2 hour ride on a school bus) for its playoff game. This is the first time we have made it to the playoffs in 8 years - quite an accomplishment considering the trials and tribulations of the past few years. Portsmouth is seeded number 2 vs our number 15. Their record is 16-2 and ours is 8-10. They have everything to worry about and we have nothing. No one knows the outcome until then. We've all witnessed surprises. Let's see! 2月26日 Getting back to the Space.Spotted this on Beth's Place. Thought I'd share a bit but not tag anyone. Two Names You Go By: Bruce and BJ Things You Are Wearing Right Now: Bathrobe and underwear (of course-mother always said to be prepared in case of an accident) Two things you want (or have) in a relationship: Love and companionship Two of Your Favorite Things to do: Be with my family and enjoy the outdoors Two things you did last night: Watched "Kyle XY" and read a book Two people you Last Talked To: Bill (head basketball coach) and Sharon Two Things You're doing tomorrow: Cleaning the kitchen and basketball practice before the playoff game Thursday Two Longest Car Rides: Probably to Ohio Two Favorite Drinks: Ginger ale and water Two Things About Me you may not have known: I was accepted at the Hartt School of Music (U of Hartford) and a passionate voter registration organizer in the 70s. Two jobs I have had in my life: Rubber cutter for Go*odye*ar Ti*re and Computer Systems Analyst for St*and*ard O*i*l Two Movies I would watch over and over: Fellowship of the Ring and Hoosiers Two of my favorite foods: Pizza and scallops/shrimp Two places I'd rather be right now: Some warm climate or on a cruise 12月31日 HappyHappy New Year to all my blogging friends.
Good health and much happiness in the year ahead! 12月30日 He is there!He is in Nevada. Our son called at noon today after sleeping in a real bed for 5 hours. He arrived in Nevada around 1am after driving a few thousand miles and for 2-1/2 days. He said that his truck jumped for joy when he unhitched the trailer. We're very excited for him at the same time. It must have been a wonderful ride across the southern part of the USA (even with quite a bit of rain). Sharon was happy that he did call a couple times each day to let us know how the trip was progressing. God has helped him on this leg of his journey. 12月27日 Another holiday moment.This morning is a rather emotional one. Our youngest son decided to move to the Henderson, Nevada area to try out the area and do something different. He has a friend who is working there and thought this to be good timing to explore something different. He is right. It is. He left five minutes ago in his truck pullling a trailer. Very emotional - especially for a mother. This is not quite like when he moved to Rhode Island for college or Keene NH to live for a few years. It is a bit different visiting someone in Nevada, especially on somewhat limited income.
I have a basketball game to go to later today but I don't want to leave Sharon. It will be good if I can convince her to travel to the game. It's a bit difficult, especially if you haven't gone off a great distance yourself (other than in the service). That's it for now.
Thanks everyone. 12月26日 A Wonderful Christmas
It has been nearly 15 years since my youngest (14 years younger) brother has been with us for a holiday. This year he arrived Christmas Eve and stayed with us for the Day. It was WONDERFUL. There has been only the four of us for so many years of holidays and what a joy to be joined by my brother. Also, my nephew and his family who moved back here from Pennsylvania joined us for Christmas Eve. It was so exciting to have him, his wife, and their four children enjoy the season with us. 12月16日 AMAZING JOB OPPORTUNITYInteresting opportunity I read about!
POSITION :
Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma, Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop JOB DESCRIPTION : Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an often chaotic environment.. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities! Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required. RESPONSIBILITIES : The rest of your life. Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the scre ams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility. POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION : None. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE : None required unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis. WAGES AND COMPENSATION : Get this! You pay them! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more. BENEFITS : While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth, unconditional love, and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right. This is dedicated to all the PARENTS you know, in appreciation for everything they do on a daily basis, letting them know they are appreciated for the fabulous job they do.... If you know someone thinking of applying for a job of this type, direct them to this site.. ** AND A FOOTNOTE ? THERE IS NO RETIREMENT -- EVER!!! ** If you are fortunate enough you will become grandparents! 12月5日 I do like this one.MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
*Twas the month before Christmas* *When all through our land,* *Not a Christian was praying* *Nor taking a stand.* *See the PC Police had taken away,* *The reason for Christmas - no one could say.* *The children were told by their schools not to sing,* *About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.* *It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say* *December 25th is just a "Holiday ".* *Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit* *Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!* *CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod* *Something was changing, something quite odd! * *Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa* *In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.* *As Targets were hanging their trees upside down* *At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.* *At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears* *You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.* *Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty* *Are words that were used to intimidate me.* *Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen* *On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !* *At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter* *To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.* *And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith* *Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace* *The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded* *The reason for the season, stopped before it started.* *So as you celebrate "Winter Break" under your "Dream Tree"* *Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.* *Choose your words carefully, choose what you say* *Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday!* 12月3日 A snowy December 3rd
The first big snow fell overnight, throughout the day, and now into the evening. We are supposed to get snow showers through Thursday with another accumulation of 3-8 inches. OK. As long as it stays for Christmas this will be fine. I don't want the rain to come in the next 2-1/2 weeks and melt all the snow. Once it is on the ground in December it should stay. As you can see, Roscoe loves the snow. Next to swimming, romping in the snow and catching and chasing snowballs is the best. Stay warm everyone and enjoy the pictures! 11月22日 To All
A most Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Let us not forget those who are not as fortunate as us nor those who are working today nor those who are giving up their day at home to bring meals to others. God bless all those serving in the military. |
|
|
